Reading Theme:
What is an Internist? Definition and Key Responsibilities
Meaning 1：doctor of internal medicine (internist)
internist
/ɪnˈtɜːrnɪst/
n.
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal organs in adults, without performing surgery.
doctor of internal medicine
➕
/ˈdɒktər əv ɪnˈtɜːrnl ˈmɛdɪsɪn/
n.
A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal organs in adults, typically without performing surgery.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'internal' (inside) + '-ist' (specialist), meaning a specialist in internal medicine.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'INTERNist' cares for INTERnal organs – diagnosis and treatment without surgery.
📖 Example
After my persistent cough didn't go away, my internist ordered a chest X-ray to check my lungs.
After my persistent cough didn't go away, my internist ordered a chest X-ray to check my lungs.
🔗 Collocations
board-certified internist – an internist who has passed certification exams in internal medicine.
consult an internist – to seek advice or treatment from an internist.
internal medicine practice – the professional work or clinic of an internist.
🔄 Synonyms
physician (n.) – a medical doctor, often used interchangeably with internist in general contexts.
internal medicine doctor (n.) – another term for internist, emphasizing the specialty.
primary care doctor (n.) – a doctor who provides initial care, often an internist for adults.
🚫 Antonyms
surgeon (n.) – a doctor who performs surgical operations, contrasting with the non-surgical focus of an internist.
🌱 Derivatives
internal medicine (n.) – the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases.
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'internist' emerged in the late 19th century as internal medicine became a distinct field. In modern healthcare, internists often serve as primary care physicians for adults, focusing on non-surgical treatment.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser